News Release

August 05, 2010Dean Powell Appointed Associate Dean for Special Projects

Associate Dean/Dean of Students Jane Powell has taken a new role as Southwestern's Associate Dean for Special Projects. In this capacity, she will be involved in a range of research, writing, instruction, student services and external affairs responsibilities in support of academic and student enhancement programs at Southwestern.

Dean Powell joined Southwestern in 1985 as an Assistant to the Dean. She became Student Activities Administrator and in 1994, she was named Director of Student Affairs. She was appointed Assistant Dean/Dean of Students in 2002, and was promoted to Associate Dean/Dean of Students five years later.

"In her various roles at Southwestern, Dean Powell has contributed immeasurably to the growth of the law school in the areas of student services, academic affairs, academic support and co-curricular and extracurricular programs," Dean Bryant Garth said. "Her extensive experience and insight into the development of Southwestern and higher education in general will be invaluable as she takes on new projects in support of Southwestern's advancement."

With undergraduate degrees in English and child psychology from Brigham Young University, Dean Powell earned her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her research focused on student services, development and satisfaction; the access of older and non-traditional students to graduate and professional academic programs; and the history of higher education. Prior to joining Southwestern, Dean Powell served as a high school English and drama teacher and worked in Washington D.C. for the director of the United States Small Business Administration and as chief clerk and legislative correspondent for the United States Senate Constitution Sub-Committee.